Fluid cooling assembly and method

ABSTRACT

A fluid cooling assembly comprising a compressor system, a frame structure, a cooler body, a fluid inlet in the cooler body fluidly interconnected to the compressor system, and a fluid outlet in the cooler body fluidly interconnected with the fluid inlet and the compressor system. The cooler body is pivotally movable about an axis away from the frame structure. The cooler body has a first and second edge, the first edge being located nearer the axis than the second edge. The fluid inlet and fluid outlet are located adjacent to the first edge of the cooler body, thus remaining fluidly interconnected to one another and the compressor system throughout movement of the cooler body toward and away from the frame structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved fluid cooling assembly primarily, but not exclusively, associated with a compressor system.

[0002] Previous fluid cooling assemblies commonly used in industry incorporate a cooler body movable with respect to and/or removable from a position adjacent to the frame structure and/or other surrounding devices for the purpose of cleaning the cooler body. Previous fluid cooling assemblies required that any fluid connections between the cooler body and surrounding devices be disconnected to move the cooler body. Disconnecting the cooler body from the surrounding devices leads to leakage of the cooling fluid and extended cleaning and set-up times. In addition, disconnecting the cooler body from the surrounding equipment poses a threat of contaminating the surrounding equipment with cooling fluid, potentially causing increased machine downtime and reduced productivity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] At least one embodiment of the present invention comprises a compressor system positioned relative to a frame structure, a cooler body having at least a first edge, a fluid inlet entering the cooler body and fluidly interconnected with the compressor system, and a fluid outlet exiting the cooler body and fluidly interconnected with the fluid inlet and the compressor system. The cooler body first edge of such embodiments is pivotally coupled to the frame structure such that the cooler body is movable about an axis along an arcuate path between a first position in which the cooler body is in operative relation to the frame structure and a second position in which the cooler body is spaced away from the frame structure. The fluid inlet and fluid outlet are located adjacent to the cooler body first edge such that the fluid inlet and fluid outlet remain fluidly interconnected with the compressor system and one another during movement of the cooler body from the first position to the second position.

[0004] At least one embodiment of the present invention comprises a compressor system, a frame structure adjacent to the compressor system and a cooler body adjacent to the frame structure. The cooler body is pivotally movable relative to the frame structure about an axis and has first and second edges and a fluid inlet and fluid outlet fluidly interconnected with one another and the compressor system. Some embodiments further comprise a first position of the cooler body in which the cooler body first and second edges are spaced a distance from the axis and a second position of the cooler body in which the cooler body first and second edges are spaced a greater vertical and horizontal distance from the axis. Some embodiments further comprise a bracket rotatable about the axis and positioned to pivotally couple the cooler body first edge to the frame structure such that as the bracket is rotated about the axis, the cooler body moves between the first position and the second position. In such embodiments, the fluid inlet and fluid outlet are located adjacent to the cooler body first edge to allow the fluid inlet and fluid outlet to remain fluidly interconnected with one another and with the compressor system as the cooler body is pivoted toward and away from the frame structure.

[0005] In at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the bracket is rotated about an axis adjacent to the frame structure, thereby moving the cooler body first and second edges away from the frame as the bracket is rotated about the axis. In such embodiments, by moving the cooler body first and second edges away from the frame, the surface of the cooler body to be cleaned is exposed. The surface of the cooler body is then cleaned while maintaining the fluid interconnection between the fluid inlet, fluid outlet and the compressor system.

[0006] Further objects and advantages of the present invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be noted that the invention as disclosed in the accompanying drawings is illustrated by way of example only. The various elements and combinations of elements described below and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged and organized differently to result in embodiments which are still within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0008] In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts:

[0009]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a fluid cooling assembly of the present invention and a compressor system.

[0010]FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the fluid cooling assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, showing a cooler body in a first position located adjacent to a frame structure. The compressor has been omitted for clarity.

[0011]FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the fluid cooling assembly illustrated in FIG. 2, showing the cooler body tilted away from the frame structure in a second position.

[0012]FIG. 4 is a close-up side view of the fluid cooling assembly illustrated in FIG. 2 taken generally along line 4-4, with elements removed for clarity.

[0013]FIG. 5 is a close-up side view of the fluid cooling assembly illustrated in FIG. 3 taken generally along line 5-5 with elements removed for clarity.

[0014]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a bracket showing both sides of the bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Referring to the figures, and more particularly to FIG. 1, a fluid cooling assembly is constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and shown generally at 100. The fluid cooling assembly 100 preferably comprises a cooler body 106 positioned relative to a frame structure 104. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fluid cooling assembly 100 also comprises a compressor system 102. Various combinations and series of compressor systems 102, frame structures 104 and cooler bodies 106 can be employed in the present invention. The fluid cooling assembly can be used with various equipment or devices requiring cooling and is not limited to use with compressor systems.

[0016] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the cooler body 106 is pivotally movable with respect to the frame structure 104, allowing the cooler body 106 to be pivoted toward and away from the frame structure 104 and the compressor system 102 for cleaning purposes. The cooler body 106 has a first surface 101 which requires periodic cleaning and maintenance to optimize performance of the cooler body 106. The first surface 101 is exposed for cleaning as the cooler body 106 is pivoted away from the frame structure 104. Other portions of the cooler body 106 may also require periodic cleaning and maintenance. The cooler body 106 is pivoted away from the frame structure 104 to improve access to any portion of the cooler body 106 that may require cleaning.

[0017] The cooler body 106 is preferably a combination cooling fluid cooler and aftercooler for the compressed air in the compressor system 102, but the cooler body 106 need not be a combination cooling fluid cooler and aftercooler. Instead, the cooler body 106 can perform the functions of only one of either a cooling fluid cooler and an aftercooler. The cooling fluid flowing between the compressor system 102 and the cooler body 106 is preferably a lubricating fluid, such as oil, but other cooling fluids, including various aqueous solutions, can be employed without departing from the present invention.

[0018] The preferred embodiment of the cooler body 106, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, is shown as having a generally flat, boxed shape, with six rectangular-shaped sides. However, different cooler body 106 shapes are possible, including without limitation a convex shape, a concave shape, a hemispherical shape, and the like, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0019] The cooler body 106 is preferably coupled to the frame structure 104 via at least one bracket 108. However, the cooler body 106 can be coupled directly or indirectly to the frame structure 104 via any means or devices to allow the cooler body 106 to be movable with respect to the frame structure 104, including without limitation being coupled via screws, rivets, pins, hinges, and the like, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the cooler body 106 has a first edge 110 and a second edge 112. The cooler body 106 is preferably coupled to the frame structure 104 along the first edge 110 (best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5), and the first edge 110 is preferably movable toward and away from the frame structure 104 via the bracket 108. The second edge 112 is preferably movable a greater distance toward and away from the frame structure 104 than the first edge 110 as the cooler body 106 is moved with respect to the frame structure 104. The cooler body second edge 112 is preferably reversibly fastened to the frame structure 104 using conventional or non-conventional fastening devices.

[0021] The preferred embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, includes an air inlet 109 preferably located adjacent to the cooler body second edge 112. An air outlet 107 is preferably located adjacent to the cooler body first edge 110. Air piping (not shown) connects the cooler body inlet 109 and outlet 107 to the compressor system 102. In the illustrated configuration, the air piping may need to be disconnected from the inlet 109 prior to movement of the cooler body 106 away from the frame structure 104. The air piping can be disconnected from the cooler body 106 and/or the compressor system 102 with relative ease using a quick-fit type coupling or the like as is known to those skilled in the art. Disconnecting the air piping in this manner does not add substantial additional labor, set-up or clean-up operations to the cleaning operations. Alternatively, other configurations of the air inlet 109 and air outlet 107 are possible and are well within the scope of the present invention. For example, the air inlet 109 and air outlet 107 may both be positioned adjacent to the first edge 110 such that the air piping does not require disconnection prior to pivoting of the cooler body 106. Similarly, various airflow patterns within the cooler body 106 are possible.

[0022] The cooler body 106 is continuously movable between two positions. The bracket 108 is rotatable about axis S and preferably configured such that the first edge 110 of the cooler body 106 is displaced a distance from the axis S about which the cooler body 106 pivots. A first position of the cooler body 106 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 in which both the first edge 110 and the second edge 112 of the cooler body 106 are adjacent to the frame structure 104 and the compressor system 102 (omitted from FIGS. 2 and 4 for clarity). A second position of the cooler body 106 is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 in which the cooler body 106 has been pivoted about axis S away from the frame structure 104 and the compressor system 102. The second position is defined by one or more stops 111 corresponding to the number of brackets 108 used. The stops 111 can be any type of stop known by those of ordinary skill in the art, including without limitation one or more brackets, rods, plates, ledges, grooves, or the like. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, stops 111 configured to cooperate with the bracket 108 are fastened to the frame structure 104 to prevent movement of the bracket 108 and the cooler body 106 past the second position as the cooler body 106 is moved from the first to the second position. Due to the coupling between the bracket 108 and the cooler body 106, as the bracket 108 is rotated about axis S, the cooler body 106 is moved between the first and second positions.

[0023] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the cooler body 106 is preferably pivotally movable toward and away from the frame structure 104 and compressor system 102 while maintaining fluid interconnection between the cooler body 106 and the compressor system 102. As illustrated in the preferred embodiment in FIGS. 1-5, a fluid inlet 116 and fluid outlet 118 are positioned adjacent to the first edge 110 of the cooler body 106. The fluid inlet 116 and the fluid outlet 118 are fluidly interconnected with the compressor system 102 via piping 120. The fluid inlet 116 and fluid outlet 118 are preferably positioned adjacent to the first edge 110 of the cooler body 106 to allow the fluid inlet 116 and fluid outlet 118 to be fluidly interconnected with one another and with the compressor system 102 throughout movement of the cooler body 106 between the first and second positions and throughout any cleaning processes. Allowing the fluid inlet 116 and the fluid outlet 118 to remain fluidly interconnected with one another and with the compressor system 102 throughout the movement of the cooler body 106 and throughout cleaning processes eliminates extraneous time, labor and clean-up that becomes necessary as a result of disconnecting the piping 120 from the cooler body 106.

[0024] The preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 shows the fluid inlet 116 and fluid outlet 118 positioned adjacent to the first edge 110 of the cooler body 106. In the preferred embodiment, the first edge 110 defines the lower edge of the cooler body 106, movable a distance toward and away from the pivot axis S. However, the first edge does not need to define the lower edge of the cooler body 106, but rather the first edge 110 defines the edge nearest the pivot axis S. Therefore, the first edge 110 may alternatively be the upper edge of the cooler body 106 if the pivot axis S is instead located a vertical distance above that illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The second edge 112 is pivotally movable down and away a further distance from the pivot axis S than the first edge 110. However, the second edge 112 need not be pivotally movable down, but rather the second edge 112 is the edge of the cooler body 106 located furthest from the pivot axis S. Various configurations of the fluid inlet 116 and fluid outlet 118 on the cooler body 106 are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as long as fluid interconnection between the fluid inlet 116, the fluid outlet 118 and the compressor system 102 is maintained throughout cooling and cleaning operations. That is, the fluid inlet 116 and the fluid outlet 118 are defined as being adjacent to the first edge 110. However, the first edge 110 could be the top edge, the bottom edge or one of the side edges of the cooler body 106, depending on the location of the pivot axis S. Furthermore, a fluid flow path within the cooler body 106 between the fluid inlet 116 and the fluid outlet 118 can take various shapes or patterns and is preferably configured to provide a desired dissipation of heat from the cooling fluid. Preferably, the fluid flow path coils back and forth within the cooler body 106. Other fluid flow paths are possible and are within the scope of the present invention.

[0025] The preferred embodiment of the frame structure 104, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, is comprised of two parallel supports 103 and a crossbeam 105 that couples the two parallel supports 103 to one another. Therefore, the cooler body first edge 110 is preferably located above and/or adjacent to the crossbeam 105 in the cooler body first position, and the cooler body first edge 110 is preferably spaced a distance away and down relative to the crossbeam 105 in the cooler body second position. Other frame structure configurations are possible, including without limitation an upside-down U-shaped frame structure shaped to receive the cooler body 106 when the cooler body 106 is in the first position, and any other frame structure configuration capable of supporting the cooler body 106 in a way to allow the cooler body 106 to move toward and away from the compressor system 102 while maintaining fluid interconnection between the cooler body 106 and the compressor system 102.

[0026]FIG. 6 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the bracket 108. The preferred embodiment of the bracket 108 has a shaft 122 which is received and supported by the frame structure 104 and allows the bracket 108 to pivot about axis S. The bracket 108 is preferably configured such that the first edge 110 of the cooler body 106 is spaced a distance from the axis S about which the cooler body 106 pivots. A bracket 108 that accomplishes this can have any shape necessary, including without limitation being straight, curved, rectilinear, triangular, and the like. The preferred embodiment of the bracket 108 illustrated in FIG. 6 is comprised of a base 124 and two legs 126. The legs 126 are preferably positioned at an angle of 45° with respect to the outer edge 128 of the bracket 108. However, the legs 126 can be disposed at any angle with respect to the base 124 to allow the cooler body first edge 110 to be displaced a distance from the axis S about which it pivots. Furthermore, the bracket 108 need not be comprised of a base and legs, but rather can be one straight bracket 108, a gradually curved bracket 108, and the like, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0027] In operation of the illustrated embodiment, the cooler body 106 is detached from the frame structure 104, and the air piping is disconnected from the cooler body 106 and/or the compressor system 102. The bracket 108 is then rotated about axis S in a first direction causing the cooler body 106 to move from the first to the second position relative to the frame structure 104, thereby exposing the first surface 101 for cleaning. As the cooler body 106 is moved from the first to the second position, the cooler body first edge 110 and second edge 112 preferably move away and down relative to the frame structure 104. The cooler body first surface 101 and any other portion of the cooler body 106 that requires cleaning is then cleaned. After the cooler body 106 is cleaned, the cooler body 106 is returned from the second position to the first position by rotating the bracket 108 in an opposite, second direction. Once the cooler body 106 is returned to the first position, the cooler body 106 can be reattached to the frame structure 104, and the air piping can be reconnected. The fluid inlet 116 and fluid outlet 118 remain fluidly interconnected with one another and with the compressor system 102 throughout movement and cleaning of the cooler body 106.

[0028] The preferred embodiment of the fluid cooling assembly 100 and bracket 108 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 includes a bracket 108 having a shaft 122 pivotal about axis S such that the cooler body 106 is moved between the first and second positions described above as the bracket 108 is rotated about axis S. However, the cooler body 106 can be movable relative to the frame structure 104 in any manner possible, and doesn't require use of the bracket 108 as illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, the cooler body 106 can be slidable with respect to the frame structure 104 along a track in the frame structure 104 (the cooler body 106 being directly or indirectly engageable with the track) such that by sliding the cooler body 106 below or above the compressor system 102, the cooler body 106 is moved into an adequate cleaning position. Furthermore, the cooler body 106 can be slidable and pivotally movable relative to the frame structure 104 with or without the use of a bracket 108. For example, the cooler body 106 can be slid downward along a track in the frame structure 104 to a bottom position in the track, and then pivoted at that point away from the frame structure 104 such that the cooler body 106 remains fluidly interconnected with the compressor system 102. Other modes of cooler body movement are possible and are included in the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid cooling assembly comprising: a compressor system positioned relative to a frame structure; a cooler body having at least a first edge, the cooler body first edge pivotally coupled to the frame structure such that the cooler body is movable about an axis along an arcuate path between a first position in which the cooler body is in operative relation to the frame structure and a second position in which the cooler body is spaced away from the frame structure; a fluid inlet entering the cooler body and fluidly interconnected with the compressor system; and a fluid outlet exiting the cooler body and fluidly interconnected with the fluid inlet and the compressor system; the fluid inlet and fluid outlet located adjacent the cooler body first edge such that the fluid inlet and fluid outlet remain fluidly interconnected with the compressor system and one another during movement of the cooler body between the first position and the second position.
 2. The fluid cooling assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cooler body first edge is spaced a distance from the axis in the first position.
 3. The fluid cooling assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the axis is substantially horizontal.
 4. The fluid cooling assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first edge of the cooler body is a lower edge of the cooler body, such that the first edge pivots away and down relative to the axis as the cooler body moves from the first position to the second position.
 5. The fluid cooling assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first edge of the cooler body is an upper edge of the cooler body, such that the first edge pivots away and up relative to the axis as the cooler body moves from the first position to the second position.
 6. The fluid cooling assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the axis is positioned substantially vertically, and wherein the first edge of the cooler body is a side edge of the cooler body such that the first edge moves away from the axis as the cooler body moves from the first position to the second position.
 7. The fluid cooling assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a bracket positioned to couple the cooler body to the frame structure such that the cooler body first edge is spaced a distance from the axis.
 8. The fluid cooling assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bracket has a base and legs, the legs each being disposed at an angle with respect to the base.
 9. The fluid cooling assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cooler body air inlet and a cooler body air outlet, wherein the air inlet and air outlet remain fluidly interconnected to one another and to the compressor system as the cooler body moves between the first and second positions.
 10. The fluid cooling assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cooler body air inlet and a cooler body air outlet fluidly interconnected with one another and with the compressor system, wherein the air inlet and air outlet are disconnected from one of the cooler body and the compressor system prior to moving the cooler body between the first and second positions.
 11. A fluid cooling assembly comprising: a compressor system; a frame structure adjacent the compressor system; a cooler body adjacent the frame structure, the cooler body pivotally movable relative to the frame structure about an axis, the cooler body having: first and second edges; and a fluid inlet and fluid outlet fluidly interconnected with one another and the compressor system, the fluid inlet and fluid outlet located adjacent the cooler body first edge to allow the fluid inlet and fluid outlet to remain fluidly interconnected with one another and with the compressor system as the cooler body is pivoted toward and away from the frame structure; a first position of the cooler body in which the cooler body first and second edges are spaced a distance from the axis; a second position of the cooler body in which the cooler body first and second edges are spaced a greater distance from the axis; and a bracket rotatable about the axis and positioned to pivotally couple the cooler body first edge to the frame structure such that as the bracket is rotated about the axis, the cooler body moves between the first position and the second position.
 12. The fluid cooling assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the bracket has a base and legs, the legs each being disposed at an angle with respect to the base.
 13. The fluid cooling assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first edge is located nearer the axis than the second edge.
 14. The fluid cooling assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the axis is substantially horizontal.
 15. The fluid cooling assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first edge is pivoted away and down relative to the axis as the cooler body is moved from the first position to the second position.
 16. The fluid cooling assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first edge is pivoted away and up relative to the axis as the cooler body is moved from the first position to the second position.
 17. The fluid cooling assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the axis is substantially vertical, and wherein the first edge is pivoted away from the axis as the cooler body is moved from the first position to the second position.
 18. A method for cleaning a fluid cooling assembly, the fluid cooling assembly comprising a compressor system adjacent a frame structure and a cooler body, the cooler body having first and second edges and a surface to be cleaned; the method comprising: providing a bracket coupling the cooler body first edge to the frame structure, the bracket rotatable about an axis adjacent the frame structure; providing a fluid inlet and fluid outlet adjacent the cooler body first edge fluidly interconnected to one another and to the compressor system; rotating the bracket about the axis adjacent the frame structure; moving the cooler body first and second edges away from the frame structure as the bracket is rotated about the axis; exposing the surface of the cooler body as the cooler body moves away from the frame structure; and cleaning the surface of the cooler body while maintaining the fluid interconnection between the fluid inlet, fluid outlet and the compressor system.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 18, further comprising disconnecting at least one of a cooler body air inlet and a cooler body air outlet prior to rotating the bracket about the axis.
 20. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the axis is substantially horizontal, and wherein moving the cooler body first and second edges away from the frame structure includes moving the cooler body first and second edges away and down relative to the axis. 